49 Dead After Extreme Winter Storm and Flooding Devastate South Africa’s Eastern Cape
June 12, 2025
This marks one of the deadliest weather-related disasters in recent South African history, underscoring the growing vulnerability of infrastructure and communities to extreme winter weather and flooding.
At least 49 people have died and dozens more remain missing or displaced after a powerful cold front and severe flooding struck South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province between June 7 and 10, 2025. Authorities confirmed the rising death toll on June 11 as emergency response teams continued search and recovery efforts across the region.
Extreme Weather Brings Rain, Snow, and Devastation
The storm system brought intense rainfall, heavy snowfall, and damaging winds, with some areas recording over 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rain and wind gusts up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Mountain regions like Barkly East, Rhodes, and Elliot saw more than 50 cm (20 inches) of snow, straining infrastructure and isolating communities.
Roads, bridges, and homes across the OR Tambo and Amathole districts suffered catastrophic damage. Floodwaters inundated entire neighborhoods, especially in informal settlements, leaving hundreds homeless. Emergency shelters have been established for at least 500 residents.
School Tragedy Near Mthatha
One of the most tragic incidents occurred near Mthatha, where a school bus carrying students was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge. The bodies of eight people — six students, the driver, and a conductor — have been recovered. Four students remain missing, while three others survived by clinging to trees until rescuers arrived. The vehicle was eventually recovered, but search efforts continue.
Infrastructure and Utilities Crippled
More than 58 schools and 20 hospitals were damaged or rendered inoperative by the flooding and storm conditions. The Butterworth Water Treatment Works was knocked offline, cutting off the water supply to large sections of the region. The power utility Eskom reported outages affecting between 300,000 and 500,000 homes.
Several key transport routes, including the N2 and R61 highways and Barkly Pass and Wapadsberg Pass, were closed due to flooding and snow accumulation, hampering relief and rescue operations in remote and mountainous areas.
Emergency Response and Government Action
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) was activated to coordinate relief operations. Premier Oscar Mabuyane led provincial response efforts and oversaw the setup of a Joint Operations Centre in OR Tambo to streamline emergency coordination.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a public statement of condolence, pledging full national government support for affected communities and families.
“Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones. We are mobilizing all necessary resources to support the people of the Eastern Cape,” said the president in his statement.
Ongoing Efforts
Search, rescue, and recovery missions are still underway, with helicopters and emergency crews working in difficult conditions due to damaged infrastructure and persistent weather hazards.
